February 12, 2013

Sequestration legislation update

Last year the U.S. Congress passed what has been referred to as “sequester legislation” that called for automatic budget cuts if other measures were not taken to help balance the federal budget.

The sequester legislation was originally to have taken effect Jan. 1, 2013, but the effective date was delayed until March 1, 2013. If Congress takes no action prior to this date, the automatic budget cuts associated with sequestration will go into effect.

At this time, there is no guidance provided by the federal agencies on what steps should be taken by the agency stakeholders — such as grantees — on sequestration. However, we have been advised that individual principal investigators should be in contact with their agency program officer/program manager regarding any contracts they currently hold.

It is not clear if the sequester will take effect March 1, but our offices are constantly monitoring the situation. We will advise the campus on this important matter as new information becomes available.